In a significant acknowledgment of its design and suitability for urban mobility, the BYD Seagull, known as the Dolphin Mini in certain international markets, has been honored with the prestigious 2025 World Urban Car award at the recently concluded New York International Auto Show on April 16, 2025. This esteemed accolade, a key component of the globally recognized World Car Awards, specifically celebrates vehicles meticulously engineered and tailored for the unique demands and characteristics of city environments. The winner was determined through the expert evaluation and voting of a distinguished panel comprising 96 seasoned automotive journalists representing 30 different countries, underscoring the international significance of this recognition.
Adding another layer of distinction to BYD's triumph at the event, Stella Li, the executive vice president of the company, achieved a personal milestone by being named the 2025 World Car Person of the Year. This landmark achievement marks her as the first woman and the first Chinese executive to receive this highly coveted individual honor within the World Car Awards framework, further highlighting BYD's growing influence and leadership within the global automotive industry.
The BYD Seagull emerged victorious from an initial pool of 12 strong contenders, ultimately facing stiff competition in the final shortlist from the Hyundai Inster/Casper Electric and the Mini Cooper Electric. To be eligible for the World Urban Car award, vehicles were required to meet stringent criteria, including availability in at least two major markets spanning two different continents, an annual production volume exceeding 5,000 units, and a maximum overall length not exceeding 4.25 meters. The BYD Seagull successfully satisfied all these prerequisites, ultimately securing the top position and demonstrating its global appeal and urban-centric design.
This latest win represents another notable achievement for BYD within the World Car Awards program. In the preceding year, the BYD Dolphin, a closely related model, was recognized as a Top Three finalist in the same World Urban Car category, while the BYD Seal, another significant offering from the company, received a nomination for the highly acclaimed World Car of the Year award. Expressing her gratitude for this continued recognition, Stella Li emphasized that these accolades serve as a powerful reflection of BYD's unwavering commitment to the development and deployment of sustainable technology and their dedication to providing exceptional customer service on a global scale.
In its domestic market of China, the 2025 BYD Seagull boasts an attractive starting price of 69,800 yuan, which translates to approximately 9,540 US dollars, making it an accessible option for urban commuters. In terms of dimensions, the Seagull measures a compact 3,780 millimeters in length, 1,715 millimeters in width, and 1,540 millimeters in height, with a practical wheelbase of 2,500 millimeters, contributing to its agility and ease of maneuvering in congested city streets. Powering the Seagull is a front-mounted electric motor that generates 74 horsepower, providing sufficient performance for urban driving. Prospective buyers are offered a choice between two lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs, known for their safety and durability: a 30.1 kWh unit providing a claimed range of 305 kilometers under the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) standards, or a larger 38.9 kWh version offering an extended range of 405 kilometers (CLTC). The Seagull also incorporates convenient features such as fast charging capability, a user-friendly 12.8-inch infotainment display, comfortable heated front seats, and readily accessible USB fast-charging ports for device connectivity. Furthermore, prioritizing occupant safety, the Seagull comes standard with a suite of essential safety features, including autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warnings.
The latest iteration of the 2025 Seagull introduces a significant advancement by incorporating sophisticated driver-assistance features typically found in higher-segment vehicles, bringing them to the entry-level electric vehicle market. These advanced features include highway autopilot for assisted driving on highways, memory navigation for intelligent route guidance, and automated parking capabilities, collectively exceeding what is typically classified as Level 2 autonomy. The Seagull's advanced DiPilot 100 intelligent driving system utilizes a comprehensive array of sensors, including twelve cameras, five radars, and twelve ultrasonic sensors, working in concert to provide a more comprehensive and capable driving assistance experience in the urban environment and beyond. This combination of affordability, practicality, advanced technology, and now, award-winning urban-centric design, positions the BYD Seagull as a compelling option for city dwellers seeking a sustainable and technologically advanced mode of transportation.